Description
A refreshing and healthy chicken pasta salad featuring shredded rotisserie chicken, ripe avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and fresh basil, all tossed in a tangy Italian vinaigrette. Perfect for a light lunch or a nutritious side dish, this salad combines creamy avocado with vibrant vegetables and a zesty dressing for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 medium cooked chicken breasts, shredded or chopped (rotisserie chicken recommended)
- 2 ripe avocados, pitted and diced
- 1 pound cooked rotini pasta, chilled
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup freshly chopped basil
- Salt and fresh cracked pepper, to taste
Dressing
- 1/2 cup white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the salad ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked and chilled rotini pasta, chopped red onion, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, and freshly chopped basil. Mix gently to distribute ingredients evenly without mashing the avocado.
- Make the dressing: In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, add the white wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, extra virgin olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Close the jar and shake vigorously until the dressing is well emulsified and combined.
- Toss the salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve or chill: Serve the chicken pasta salad immediately for the freshest taste, or cover and chill in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld for later use. Enjoy!
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor, but you can use any cooked chicken breast.
- Chilling the pasta and salad ingredients before tossing helps keep the avocado firm and the salad refreshing.
- For extra texture, consider adding toasted pine nuts or walnuts.
- Serve this salad as a light meal or a side dish with grilled vegetables or crusty bread.
- This salad is best consumed within 1-2 days to enjoy the freshness of avocado.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
